by dr. ibrahim favada, jayne m. buadu & razak issah
TRANSCRIPT
‘AFRICANTIMBER.NET’-AFRICA’S FIRST ONLINE TIMBER
MARKETPLACEBY
Dr. Ibrahim Favada, Jayne M. Buadu & Razak Issah
OUTLINE Intra-African timber trade initiative
Project rationale Challenges in intra-African timber trade Solutions
Africa’s first online timber marketplace (‘Africantimber.net’)
Overview of ‘Africantimber.net’
Intra-African trade in Timbers and Timber Products(TTPs) has generally been limited.
In 2007 only 10% of the region’s TTPs imports originated from the region itself, indicating major opportunities for expansion.
THREE CORE CHALLENGES IN TIMBER TRADE IN AFRICA
Weak information systems on the markets and the forest sector in producing countries.
Gaps in the existing market intelligence.
Limitations in accessing markets and in market competitiveness of TTPs due to constraints such as changes in market requirements, specific measures taken by regulators and activists to eliminate or reduce the use of tropical timber in general.
WEAK INFORMATION SYSTEMS
General situations in ITTO member countries are that: Some have no functional information systems or which are
in initial phases of their development
Others have recognised the importance of marketing information, developed institutional models, but which still have significant needs to strengthen and coordinate their information systems
Some have relatively well-established national system, but still have gaps and other needs of improvement
GAPS IN THE MARKET INTELLIGENCE Lack of information on domestic, informal sector and legal/illegal
production.
Unreliable projection of demand and supply makes planning at enterprise and national level difficult
End uses and market characteristic of individual species, including LUS and plantation species, are poorly known.
There is inadequate information on factors driving change in tropical timber consumer markets and how to proactively respond to these.
Specific information on markets for Secondary processed wood products(SPWPs) is inadequate but necessary to guide investments in adding value.
LIMITATIONS IN ACCESSING MARKETS
Tariffs Standards and technical regulations
Other non-tariff trade barriers
A PROPOSED MEASURE TO ADDRESS THESE CHALLENGES IS THROUGH THE INTRA- AFRICAN
TIMBER TRADE INITIATIVE
Improving intra-African trade and market transparency in TTPs by:
Increasing knowledge of regional market.
Improving production capacity and marketing planning.
Improving market access and logistics
HOW THE ONLINE TIMBER MARKETPLACE (AFRICANTIMBER.NET) ADDRESSES SOME OF THE
TRADE CHALLENGES
The online timber marketplace will: catalogue timber companies, trade leads Provide social media tool to facilitate liaison among
African traders. At the marketplace, regular surveys will be conducted
with traders, market intelligence gleaned, prepared and reported on the website for various users.
OVERVIEW OF ‘AFRICANTIMBER.NET’
THE LANDING PAGE
NEWS ITEMS
FEATURED BUSINESS
UPCOMING EVENTS
SIGN UP
CONTACT PERSON PROFILE PAGE
CHAT BOX
BUSINESS MENU
LISTING YOUR BUSINESS
CREATE NEW BUSINESS
LISTING YOUR BUSINESS
NAME
COMPANY WEBSITE
EXAMPLE: LOGGER, PRIMARY PROCESSOR ETC
BUSINESS PROFILE PAGE
BUSINESS PROFILE PAGE
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
POSSIBLE CHALLENGES
The lack of interest in online marketing shown by companies.
Some companies are not willing to subscribe for a fee.
Poor internet servicesHigh computer illiteracy
THANK YOU